Postprandial Glycemic Response to Polyphenol-fortified Snack Bars

Overview

Consuming plant chemicals (e.g., polyphenols) may have beneficial effects on human health that, if confirmed, may warrant inclusion in combat rations. Ration developers would like to determine whether the fortification of a high sugar food item with a polyphenol-rich freeze-dried fruit and/or a fruit extract improves blood sugar response and promotes other positive physiological changes (e.g., satiety) in a dose-response manner. This study will test four different types of snack bar with various polyphenol doses, and compare blood response to a snack bar without polyphenols.

High glycemic index (GI) foods generally contain simple sugars and/or highly processed and refined carbohydrates (e.g., instant oatmeal and white bread). These foods are rapidly digested, which raises blood glucose and insulin to higher concentrations and more rapidly compared to low GI food items. In some situations, it is advantageous to consume high glycemic response food items to promote recovery from intense exercise/work. However, there is some suggestion that low/moderate-GI foods may better maintain glucose levels and enhance performance if consumed before and during prolonged exercise. Further, impaired blood glucose regulation (e.g., that can occur with chronic intake of high GI foods) may stimulate the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes; and, it is associated with changes in body weight due to stimulating hunger and excessive food intake. These negative consequences are concerning, given the prevalence of overweight/obesity and comorbidities (including metabolic syndrome) within the Department of Defense (DoD). Polyphenols are a heterogeneous group of phytochemicals that are found in plant-based foods; and they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may ultimately help protect against chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiometabolic disease. Berry polyphenols are predominantly comprised of proanthocyanidins and/or ellagitannins (collectively referred to as "tannins"); and, berries have been shown to promote glycemic control when consumed with a high-carbohydrate containing food item. These beneficial health effects may warrant polyphenol fortification of combat rations and Garrison food items. For example, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center's (NSRDEC) Combat Feeding Directorate demonstrated that tannins extracted from berries effectively inhibits the activity of enzymes that metabolize starch in vitro, an underlying mechanism for slowing starch digestion in vivo. However, whether consumption of a high GI food item containing polyphenol-rich freeze-dried fruit and/or fruit extracts improves glucose control, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes satiety in human volunteers is unknown. In this randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, dose-response trial, at least 20 civilian and/or military personnel will be asked to consume one of five food items during separate trials: 1) a high glycemic snack bar (control) without any fruit ingredients; 2) a high glycemic snack bar with cranberry extract (0.5% total weight); 3) a high glycemic snack bar with cranberry extract (1% total weight); 4) a high glycemic bar with freeze-dried black raspberries (10% total weight); and, 5) a high glycemic snack bar with freeze-dried black raspberries (20% total weight). Serial blood sampling to measure acute changes in circulating glucose, insulin, gastrointestinal hormones and biomarkers of oxidative stress and satiety will occur at baseline and for three hours after consumption of each food. Appetite will also be assessed at an ad libitum meal after the three hour period. The only known risks, which this study presents to participants, are those associated with venous catheter placement. The fruit concentrates for the present study are either commercially available (black raspberry powders) or used as an ingredient to boost the phenolic content of commercial items (cranberry extract). The results will help determine whether fortifying high glycemic food items with polyphenols may benefit the Warfighter in the ration- or Garrison-feeding environment.